Not Just Another RIver - Michael Funke, Bend

[Sent to the members of the House Rules Committee and Rep. Chuck Burley:]

I urge you to vote for SB 30 and protect the Metolius River.

I have fished many, many rivers and lakes throughout the western U.S. and in Michigan and Canada.

The Metolius is not just another river. It is a special river flowing through spectacular beauty. Yes, there are cabins along the river, and campgrounds. It is not wilderness. But all development along the river to date essentially merges with the landscape.

A destination resort--two destination resorts--will have an immediate combined impact that far outweighs all the past development in Camp Sherman and along the river.

There are many Oregon rivers that deserve special treatment, that demand protection so that we can all enjoy them. The Metolius is one of those rivers.

Destination resorts already dot the landscape of Central Oregon. They have permanently altered the beauty of Powell Butte. We can't afford to keep building these resorts where only the wealthy can afford to recreate and the lowest paid workers in the state are employed.

We can do better. And we can start by protecting the Metolius. I urge you to vote for SB 30.

Michael Funke
Member, Trout Unlimited
Bend